Rooney's presence is a reminder to Davies of what can be achieved by those who come through the academy system on Merseyside, and though his lifestyle choices may differ from some of those who have come before him, at present they are standing him in good stead to repeat his hero's trajectory. "But I'm Everton manager and that's the important thing and nothing else".

Many have been dumbfounded by the Dutch's fall from grace on the worldwide stage, but Koeman thinks the reason for his country's decline is rather simple.

The challenge for Everton will be to break Brighton down, because they are not a team that gives very much away.

"The player had a long time several problems physically and we tried to solve that problem".

After scoring two goals in their opening two games, against Stoke City and Manchester City, Everton went failed to score in consecutive games against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United - losing 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0 respectively.

Ronald Koeman's charges have only scored six goals in their last 12 league games, failing to score on seven occasions.

A 1-1 draw is the most probable outcome in this market, and we are going for the same as our prediction.

Idrissa Gueye has made 161 tackles in the Premier League since the start of last season, more than any other player prior to the latest round of matches.

That was all too obvious in their last outing before the worldwide break, when the doom and gloom around Goodison Park deepened with a 1-0 defeat by Burnley.

"In terms of confidence, we find it hard". I'm not interested in his comments. In the Burnley game we started really well and one shot on target it's 1-0 and then it's a different feeling in the stadium and from the players.

"To be fair, the medical staff are overseeing all of it and they're in contact with Everton and all their scientists. The fastest way to change the situation is to do your job every day and with a feeling of belief together".

Ince predicts that Brighton will fancy their chance against Everton.

"But he's an older player, an experienced player, and like everybody you have good times and bad times, and we need to help him".